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Out'n'About: Critter Christmas has new venue

By Andi Murphy/amurphy@lcsun-news.com

Posted:
12/06/2012 03:06:13 AM MST

Click photo to enlarge

Pax sports a Santa hat in front of the Christmas tree during last year s A Critter Christmas gala. Proceeds from this year s event on Thursday will benefit the SNAP Program, Do&ntilde;a Ana County Humane Society and the Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley.

Things are going to be bigger and better for the third annual "A Critter Christmas."

"It's a big gala that we just rolled into one," said Kathy Lawitz, executive director of the Doña Ana County Humane Society, one of three groups benefiting from the event. "We're allowing people to bring their well-behaved, leashed dogs with them."

Proceeds will benefit DACHS, Spay Neuter Action Program and the Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley, the community animal shelter.

Last year's event was a tight squeeze for the guests in the Building Industry Association. This year, everyone is guaranteed a seat and plenty of room for their tail-wagging companions at the Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E. University Ave., from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door.

The event includes a live and silent auction with one of the most coveted prizes being a week-long trip to Martha's Vineyard with free airfare, Lawitz said.

There will be music by DJ Chris Cruz, performances by the NMSU DanceSport Team, pet contests for best dressed and best tricks, a dog treat buffet, photo booth and a no-host bar with food.

"We're here to raise funds and awareness," Lawitz said.

The mission for many animal activist groups like DACHS, SNAP and the ASCMV is to address the issue of overpopulation of unwanted and stray pets. They want to express to the community that, to take care of this problem, it takes commitment and time.

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"These three groups do a lot for the animals and their people in Doña Ana County," Lawitz said.

Doña Ana County Humane Society

The society's mission is to be an advocate for animals and their people while maintaining an environment of respect, responsibility and compassion through education, legislation and leadership. They are committed to reducing animal overpopulation and defending the abused.

DACHS is a nonprofit organization and they are best supported by monetary donations that can be made on their website at donaanacountyhumanesocietyinc.org. Info: 575-647-4808.

Spay Neuter Action Program (SNAP)

This group's mission is to prevent the suffering and death of dogs and cats due to overpopulation. They perform low-cost spay and neuter procedures for low-income families in the county.

Info: 575-524-9265, snapnewmexico.org. Their hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

The ASCMV at 3551 Bataan Memorial West is a nonprofit group that is always in need of monetary donations and material donations such as dog and cat food/treats/toys, kiddy pools, hand sanitizers, small litter boxes, shredded paper, wire crates, blankets, towels, linens and kitty beds. Info: las-cruces.org, 575-382-0018.

If you go

What: A Critter Christmas, the third annual gala event to benefit Doña Ana County Humane Society, Spay Neuter Action Program and the Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley. Well-behaved and leashed dogs are welcome.

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday

Where: Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E. University Ave.

How much: $40 in advanced from Better Life Pet Foods and Holdmyticket.com/event/122669. $50 at the door